Birdy Releases Debut Album

UK singer Birdy, 15, created buzz with her cover of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love". Now with the release of her debut album, which includes "Just A Game" from The Hunger Games soundtrack, she's garnering even more attention. See what the soulful singer had to say when she stopped by the Seventeen office!

Birdy: The things I see every day inspire my sound and lyrics, like certain people and situations that stick out in my mind. There are also certain musicians I love whose music and styles inspire me.

17: What kind of music do you like?

B: I love Adele and Lykke Li. I also listen to classical music as well.

17: How would you describe your music for people who haven't heard it before?

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B: I think it's quite organic and natural. It's just me and I try to be myself when I'm singing.

17: You play the piano. Do you play any other instruments?

B: I used to play violin, but I wasn't very good! I'm starting to learn guitar. I had my first lesson the other day, so hopefully I'll be able to use that in the next album.

17: When did you start playing piano?

B: My mum was a concert pianist, so she started teaching me when I was about five or six.

17: Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to become a musician?

B: I think it was when I was 12 when I entered a singing competition. I sang my own original song for an audience of 1,000 people. I felt a connection with them while I was performing and a buzz afterwards. I loved it so much.

17: Do you ever get nervous?

B: Yes, I get really nervous right before I go on stage. But once I'm performing, I always love it. It's like being in a different world.

17: Do you have a favorite song on your album?

B: I think it would have to be "Without A Word". I connect with that song more than any other one on the album.

17: Your cover of "Skinny Love" has become quite a phenomenon! What was it like to see that unfold?

B: I remember when I first put the video up and it only had 30 views. Now it has 50 million. I've never spoken to Bon Iver, but I would love to. I'm a huge fan!

17: How do you decide what songs to cover?

B: Some of the cover songs on my album are just songs I already loved, like Phoenix's "1901". Others are suggestions from artists I had never heard of before, but it's the same kind of style of music that I already love.